Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) transports a workforce that contributes more than $50 billion to the country’s economy. It shuttles passengers daily to points between Boston and Washington, D.C. But, for years, the NEC’s rolling stock, service frequency, and max speed—150 miles per hour—has paled in comparison to Japan’s bullet trains (Shinkansen), and France’s high-speed rail network.
Through 2027, Amtrak will gradually deploy new, much better rolling stock on the Northeast Corridor, making its service more on par with other global networks. In total, Amtrak will deploy 28 new NextGen Acela trains that can reach 160 miles per hour—a 10-mile-per-hour bump—with 27 percent more seating capacity per train.
A new tilt system, Amtrak said, will make for quieter, smoother rides. The goal, in part, is easing peak-hour congestion and making rail service more competitive with air travel. Roger Harris, Amtrak president, called the debut an “evolution of travel” and declared that “history will be made” when these trains go into the field.
Making The Switch
Today, there’s a concerted effort underway to reduce the amount of short air flights (think: Boston to New York, or Philadelphia to Pittsburgh) in order to reduce carbon emissions—some countries are even thinking of banning outright super short-haul flights. But, in order for that to work, other means of transport, such as trains, need to be up to snuff.
Toward that end, Amtrak started testing new Acela rolling stock in Colorado four years ago. The new NEC trains will board passengers on August 28, Amtrak said.
The interiors of the new trains are noticeably better than what Amtrak has today. Passengers can expect improved seat cushions, new upholstery, better lighting, and updated finishes in coach cars, dining cars, and sleeper cars.
Only five Acela trains will go into service at first starting August 28, but that number will grow to 28 in the next few years.
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